Advice on making a kaftan and a girls dress

[Justgotosleepnow]

I have bought a kaftan that I LOVE but it is polyester. So I thought as it's pretty simple I could copy it.
My sewing skills are limited, I made a skirt at primary school (in the days when girls did sewing and the boys did crafts) but I can knit & crochet ok.
I have a really basic little sewing machine from john Lewis.

Am I daft to try and start sewing?

And I would also love to make some little dresses or tops for my DD, who is 15mo.

I've spotted the Dressmaking book by Alison someone. Is this a good starting point?
Or am I crazy?
Any sewing advice gratefully received

[Justgotosleepnow]

The book is by Alison Smith

[Justgotosleepnow]

And the book Growing Up Sew Liberated by Meg Mcelwee, it looks lovely, has anyone made anything from it? I was planning on making a teepee for her to play in so it looks great. (Have lots of bamboo I can use, and some old duvet covers that are plain white that I can use)

[ContinentalKat]

Kaftans are really easy, google kaftan tutorial and loads come up.
There are also lots of free and easy tutorials out there for girls' dresses, Pinterest is your friend!

[Justgotosleepnow]

Ah that's a good idea Continental thanks. What do you think of those books?

[Sandthorn]

Daft to try sewing? No way! There are sewing projects suitable for every ability. Start with something nice and easy, patterns specially written for beginners. Check out some of the thousands of tutorials online, and don't take it too seriously... You've got to be able to laugh at the odd mistake, and put it down to experience. When I started making my own clothes, I wasn't the fastest, or the neatest, but I had something I was proud to wear from the first project.

[ContinentalKat]

I have to admit that I have never bought a sewing book. I've had a look, but they always contain an awful lot I am not interested in. There is just so much online, I follow quite a few sewing blogs and buy the odd pattern. Craftsy is quite good if you want to learn something specific, but I mostly plod on on my own.

I have to say that I have a good base knowledge, though. Thanks to years so needlecraft at my all girls school!

[Justgotosleepnow]

Just looked up Pinterest for sewing! Wowee there's a lot on there. Only trouble is, I need to know how to do the basics.